Dr. Najafi, received his BS, MS and Ph.D. in civil engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is a UF professor in the Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering. He has published and presented more than 300-refereed publications nationally, and internationally. He has received numerous awards: a Senior Fulbright Scholar, teaching, and best paper awards, He specializes in transportation planning, construction management, legal aspects, and renewable energy.

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Primary Research Area

Coastal Ecosystem Dynamics (CESD)

Other Research Areas

Engineering Education Collaborative, Materials & Pavements, New Infrastructure Planning and Management, Sustainable Construction Engineering, Water Systems

Research Interests

Renewable Energy (e.g., Solar and Wind Energy), Transportation Engineering

Education

B.S., Civil Engineering (Structure)
M.S., Civil Engineering (Transportation Planning)
Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Transportation Engineering and Planning)

Awards & Distinctions

• Solar Roadways Award, ASCE Annual, 2015
• First annual E4 Lecturer of the Year award, 2012
• Best Paper Award, 2011 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), 2011
• Paper Award, University of Athens, Athens, Greece, July 2009
• Teacher of great influence recognition, 2005, Fall Academic Convocation faculty honoree, UF
• Awarded “Work of Heart Award” in appreciation for Outstanding Volunteer Service benefiting the local
  community, Gainesville, FL, May 2004.

Memberships and Professional Committees

• American Public Works Association (APWA)
• American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
• American Society for Engineering Education-Southeastern Section (ASEE-SE)
• Member, International Road Federation (IRF)
• Transportation Research Board (TRB)
• Member, Tau Beta Pi, Florida Alpha Chapter
• Chief Marshall for the New Student Convocation, College of Engineering, UF
• Member, College of Engineering Faculty Recognition & Awards Committee